AU2003204496B1

AU2003204496B1 - A Ventilation Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2003204496B1
Application number: AU2003204496A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Langtree
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-02
Filing date: 2003-06-02
Publication date: 2004-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-02
Also published as: AU2012200940A1; AU2012200940B2

Description

A VENTILATION APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a ventilation apparatus and is particularly directed to an apparatus that can be installed along the ridge cap of a roof to allow ventilation to occur and which does not require any electrical or moving mechanical parts.

BACKGROUND ART Ventilation of a roof cavity is often required to prevent buildup of heat, smell, moisture etc in the roof cavity. A buildup of heat can cause discomfort, and a buildup of moisture can cause mildew, bacterial growth etc.

Tiled roofs have a degree of natural ventilation due to the gaps between adjacent tiles through which air can pass. However, some tiled roofs are provided with a layer of insulating foil immediately behind the tiles and this can prevent venting of the roof cavity.

It is known to heavily insulate the ceiling of a dwelling to prevent heat from being transmitted through the ceiling. The installation may be fibreglass insulation or other types of insulation. This arrangement does nothing to prevent ventilation of the roof cavity and had some ways makes the problem more severe by preventing at least some heat transmission through the ceiling.

Steel roofs provide little or no natural ventilation between the adjacent sheets of steel. Moreover, steel is an efficient transmitter of heat and the roof cavity of the steel roofs can become extremely hot and uncomfortable.

There are many types of ventilation devices to vent the roof cavity. These ventilation devices can remove hot air/smells/moisture from the roof cavity. One type of ventilation devices comprises a rotating top which draws hot air out of the roof cavity. This type of device is often known as a "whirlybird". One disadvantage with this type of ventilation device is that the device has a relatively small "throat" and therefore hot air can only be vented by passing the air through the throat of the whirlybird. Thus, it is known to provide a number of such ventilation devices on a roof in order to allow the roof to be ventilated at spaced intervals. These ventilation devices can be 2 quite unattractive especially if a large number of such devices are installed.

Installation of these ventilation devices can be quite expensive. Another disadvantage with this type of ventilation device is that the device has a moving of spinning top to provide efficient extraction of hot air from the roof cavity. The spinning top is subject to wear and tear and maintenance.

Moreover, these devices are quite fragile and if struck by a tree branch etc are very easily damaged.

Electrical extraction devices are very well-known. These devices comprise an electrically powered extraction fan. These devices suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantage plus an additional disadvantage that the electric motor must be protected against rain. These electrical devices can be quite noisy and in domestic houses are usually restricted to small ceiling extractors etc.

A further disadvantage with both of above devices is that air can be extracted from the roof cavity (or other area) but the devices do not function efficiently to allow outside air to flow into the roof cavity. Thus, these devices do not allow a roof to "breathe" by which is meant that air can flow into and from the roof cavity.

A further disadvantage with the above devices is that forcing air from the roof cavity through the devices can set up a quite strong air flow in the roof cavity. If the roof cavity is protected by insulating material, and especially by flowable insulating material, the air flow can result in disruption of the insulation.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an apparatus that can vent a roof enclosure or other confined space, that does not require any electric motor or moving mechanical parts, and which can provide a fairly large venting area.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a ventilation apparatus which may at least partially overcome some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a ventilation apparatus attachable to a roof, the apparatus comprising an elongate shroud, the shroud having a top wall and at least one depending side wall, a shroud support member which has a first wall attachable to a roof, and a second wall which extends at least partially inside the elongate shroud, and a mesh which extends between a depending side wall of the shroud and the second wall of the shroud support member.

The ventilation apparatus is preferably attached to the apex or ridge of a roof. Suitably, the existing ridge capping or apex area is removed to provide a relatively large opening in the roof cavity and the apparatus is fixed about this relatively large opening to allow the roof cavity to breathe.

The ventilation apparatus may extend substantially entirely along the ridge of a roof to allow the roof cavity to be vented substantially along the length of the roof cavity. Of course, no limitation is meant thereby and the ventilation apparatus may also extend along parts of the ridge. In yet a further alternative, a plurality of ventilation apparatuses may be present on the roof.

It is envisaged that the ventilation apparatus will have a length of between 0.5-10 m, and will typically have a length of between 1-4 m depending on the size and type of roof although it should be appreciated that no limitation is meant thereby.

The elongate shroud may be formed of any suitable material. It is envisaged that the elongate shroud will be made of sheet metal although no limitation is meant thereby and the elongate shroud may also be formed of plastics, fibreglass, composite materials and the like. If the elongate shroud is made of sheet metal, it is envisaged that the metal will have a thickness of between 1-4 mm although no limitation is meant thereby. The metal may be protected against corrosion and other environmental conditions by painting, anodising or other treatment.

The elongate shroud typically has a top wall and at least one depending side wall. Suitably, the shroud will have a pair of depending side walls and the shroud may have a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration. The top wall typically has a slightly inclined configuration and the top wall may resemble an inverted V configuration to allow water to flow quickly off the top wall of the shroud. The free ends of the or each depending side wall may be slightly turned in to form a small lip. The elongate shroud may be formed of a metal sheet which is bent into the desired shape.

The apparatus includes shroud support member which has a first wall attachable to a roof, and a second wall which extends at least partially inside the elongate shroud. The shroud support member typically has a length which is substantially the same as the length of the elongate shroud. The shroud support member may be formed of material which is the same or similar to that of the elongate shroud, and therefore the shroud support member is typically formed of metal. The shroud support member is substantially L shaped in configuration to define the first wall and the second wall although no limitation is meant thereby. The first wall which is attachable to the roof may comprise an elongate flange. The flange can be fastened to the top of the roof by fasteners or other convenience type of attachment means. The first wall may function to prevent water from passing into the roof cavity when attached to the roof. The second wall may be substantially at right angles to the first wall. In use, the second wall extends inside or at least partially inside the elongate shroud. Suitably however the second wall is not directly attached to the elongate shroud. The first wall may have a width of between 10-100 cm although no limitation is meant thereby. The second wall may have a width of between 10-100 cm although no limitation is meant thereby.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a fixing member to attach the elongate shroud to the roof. The fixing member may have a first part which is attachable to the elongate shroud and the first part is typically attachable to the underneath side of the top wall of the elongate shroud. The fixing member may have a second part which is attachable to the roof.

Suitably, the second part is attachable to a roof batten or other part of the roof. The fixing member may be substantially strap like in configuration and therefore the first part may comprise a strap part and the second part may comprise a strap part. The second part may comprise a pair of strap parts.

Each strap part may have a width of between 50-400 mm, a length of between 20-150 cm, and a thickness of between 1-5 mm although no limitation is meant thereby. The fixing member may be formed of metal, plastics, composite materials and the like.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a lower rain deflector.

The lower rain deflector may be attached to the shroud support member and extend from the shroud support member and towards and spaced from the depending side wall of the elongate shroud. Preferably, the lower rain deflector is positioned below the mesh. The rain deflector may be formed of metal, plastics, composite materials and the like. The rain deflector typically has a length which is about the same as the length of the elongate shroud.

The rain deflector may be substantially L shaped having a first part attachable to the shroud support member and typically from the second wall of the shroud support member. The rain deflector may have a second part which extends outwardly from the second wall of the shroud support member. The first part may have a width of between 1-50 cm. The second part may have a width of between 5-50 cm. No limitation is meant by these dimensions.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes an upper rain deflector. The upper rain deflector may be attached to the depending side wall of the shroud and may extend towards but spaced from the second wall of the shroud support member. Preferably, the upper rain deflector is positioned between the lower rain deflector and the mesh. The upper rain deflector may be substantially L shaped in configuration having a first part or leg and a second part or leg. The second part may be attached to the elongate shroud and the first part may extend inwardly. The first part may have a width of between 5-50 cm and the second part may have a width of between 1-50 cm although no limitation is meant thereby.

The mesh may comprise an elongate member comprising a mesh material. The mesh may comprise a bird mesh. The mesh may comprise a metal mesh, a plastic mesh, a fibreglass mesh, a composite mesh and the like. The purpose of the mesh is inter alia to prevent animals from entering into the roof cavity through the apparatus. The mesh may comprise a flexible mesh or a rigid mesh. If desired, support means can be provided to support the mesh and/or to assist in attachment of the mesh. The support means may comprise elongate flanges which may be attached to longitudinal edges of the support mesh.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a support bracket which can be attached to the depending side wall of the shroud and to the shroud support member to provide reinforcement or "stiffening" to the apparatus. A plurality of such support brackets may be provided. The support bracket may be substantially Z shaped in configuration. The support bracket may have a length of between 10-100 cm the length depending on the spacing between the depending side wall of the elongate shroud and the second wall of the shroud support member. The support member may have a width of between 5-50 cm although no limitation is meant thereby. The support bracket may be made of material identical to or similar to the elongate shroud.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1. Illustrates a roof fitted with a ventilation apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention and also showing part of the ventilation apparatus in a cut away view.

Figure 2. Illustrates a section view of the ventilation apparatus attached to the roof.

Figure 3. Illustrates a section view of a sub assembly comprising the shroud support member, the mesh, the Z shaped support bracket and the lower rain deflector.

Figure 4. Illustrates an end cap for the elongate shroud.

Figure 5. Illustrates the fixing member which attaches the elongate shroud to the roof.

Figure 6. Illustrates the elongate shroud.

Figure 7. Illustrates the mesh.

Figure 8. Illustrates the Z shaped support bracket.

BEST MODE Referring to the drawings and initially to figure 1 there is illustrated a ventilation apparatus 10 which is attachable over the apex or ridge 11 of a roof 12. Typically, the existing ridge capping 13 is removed to expose the small existing slot 14. This slot 14 can be made wider by cutting away the edges of the roof sheets. Typically, slot 14 is widened to approximate the width of the intake area of the ventilation apparatus. The wider slot 15 is illustrated in figure 1. By making the slot wider, the ventilation efficiency is greatly improved.

The apparatus includes an elongate shroud 16. Shroud 16 is illustrated in figure 6 and can have a length of between 1-4 m. Shroud 16 is formed of sheet metal which is bent to form the shape illustrated in figure 6.

The metal is protected by painting or by anodising. Shroud 16 has an inverted V shaped top wall 17 and a pair of depending side walls 18. The top wall typically has a width of between 20-100 cm and each side wall has a width of between 10-50 cm. The bottom free ends of each side wall are turned in to form a small lip 19. Shroud 16 is not directly attached to any part of the roof and the attachment will be as described below.

The shroud is supported by a shroud support member Shroud support member 20 comprises an elongate metal sheet which is bent to form a first wall 21 and a second wall 22. A cross-section of shroud support member 20 is best illustrated in figure 3. First wall 21 is illustrated in figures 1-3 and is attached to the roof sheets 23 typically by fasteners. First wall 21 has a width of between 20-100 cm and can be seen as replacing the existing capping 13 of the roof. The second wall 22 (see figures 2-3) extends substantially vertically and extends inside elongate shroud 16. The second wall has a width of between 10-50 cm. The second wall 22 functions to define an intake area 24 of the ventilation apparatus. Referring to figure 2, it can be seen that the ventilation apparatus has two shroud support members, one on each side of the roof.

A bird mesh 25 (see figure 7) forms part of the ventilation apparatus. The bird mesh 25 comprises a mesh part 26 which is supported by a pair of end attachment flanges 27. The flanges 27 allow all the mesh to be attached in position. Referring to figure 3, mesh 25 has one flange 27 attached to an upper part of second wall 22 which forms part of the shroud support member 20. The other flange 27 is attached to the depending side wall 18 of elongate shroud 16, this being best illustrated in figure 2. This arrangement thus defines the general airflow pathway of the apparatus, the airflow pathway being illustrated in figure 2. It can be seen that the apparatus has no moving parts and airflow can pass out of the roof cavity and back into the roof cavity.

To more firmly attach the apparatus to the roof, a fixing member 28 (see figure 5) is provided. Fixing member 28 comprises a first part 29 which is shaped to sit underneath top wall 17 of shroud 16 and be attached thereto. Fixing member 28 comprises a second part in the form of a pair of depending straps 30. Referring to figure 2, one strap 30 is shown depending substantially vertically into the roof cavity, while the other strap 30 is shown as having been bent over and attached to a roof batten 31[ultimately however, both straps will be bent over and attached to a batten]. These straps can be positioned at spaced apart locations to anchor the apparatus to the roof.

To prevent ingress of rain/moisture into the roof cavity, a pair of rain deflectors is provided. Referring to figure 3, there is illustrated a lower rain deflector 32 in cross-section. Lower rain deflector has one end attached to the second wall 22 of shroud support member 20 and the main body of the lower rain deflector extends substantially at right angles from the second wall 22. The position of rain deflector 32 is illustrated in figure 2 and it can be seen that two rain deflectors are provided, one on each side of the ventilation apparatus. The other rain deflector is an upper rain deflector this being illustrated in figure 2 as reference numeral 33. Upper rain deflector 33 has one end attached to the depending side wall 18 of elongate shroud 16 and the main body of the upper rain deflector extends into the airflow passageway. The function of the rain deflectors is to provide a "torturous" airflow pathway to reduce or minimise ingress of rain/moisture into the roof cavity.

A Z shaped bracket 35 (see figure 8) is provided to stiffen the ventilation apparatus. The position of bracket 35 is illustrated in figure 3 and figure 2. One end of bracket 35 is attached to second wall 22 of shroud support member 20 while the other end of bracket 35 is attached to the inside depending the wall 18 of elongate shroud 16.

An end cap 36 (see figure 4) is fitted to each open end of elongate shroud 16.

The ventilation apparatus can efficiently vent the roof cavity. If the roof ceiling is provided with ceiling vent openings the ventilation apparatus can also efficiently vent the inside of a dwelling such as the toilets, bathroom, living areas and kitchen. The ventilation apparatus has no moving parts and therefore will function efficiently even during power loss or during cyclonic winds and rain.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A ventilation apparatus attachable to a roof, the apparatus comprising an elongate shroud, the shroud having a top wall and at least one depending side wall, a shroud support member which has a first wall attachable to a roof, and a second wall which extends at least partially inside the elongate shroud, a mesh which extends between a depending side wall of the shroud and the second wall of the shroud support member, and a lower rain deflector.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which is attached to the apex or ridge of a roof.

3. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein existing ridge capping is removed to provide a relatively large opening in the roof cavity and the apparatus is fixed about this relatively large opening to allow the roof cavity to breathe.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus has a length of between 1-4 m.

The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate shroud is made of sheet metal.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate shroud has a thickness of between 1-4 mm.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein has a top wall and at least one depending side wall.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud may has a substantially inverted U-shaped configuration.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud support member has a length which is substantially the same length of the elongate shroud.

The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud support member is formed of metal.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud support member is substantially L shaped in configuration to define the first wall and the second wall.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes a fixing member to attach the elongate shroud to the roof.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fixing member has a first part which is attachable to the elongate shroud and the first part is typically attachable to the underneath side of the top wall of the elongate shroud, and a second part which is attachable to the roof.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and claim 13 wherein the fixing member is substantially strap like in configuration and therefore the first part may comprise a strap part and the second part may comprise a strap part.

The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the lower rain deflector is attached to the shroud support member and extends from the shroud support member and towards and spaced from the depending side wall of the elongate shroud.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes an upper rain deflector.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the upper rain deflector is attached to the depending side wall of the shroud and extends towards but spaced from the second wall of the shroud support member.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh comprises an elongate member comprising a mesh material.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises a support bracket which can be attached to the depending side wall of the shroud and to the shroud support member to provide reinforcement or "stiffening" to the apparatus. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 11a Dated this 2 4 th day of November 2003 Andrew Langtree By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.